After the first two weeks of the MLS season, the beginnings of the competitive landscape are taking shape in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference alike.
Defending MLS champions NYCFC is off to a slow start after collecting merely one point in two matches while the defending Western Conference champions Colorado Rapids righted the ship in week 2 with a 3-0 win over Atlanta United. Early contenders such as the Seattle Sounders are struggling after going pointless in the first two weeks. Similarly, Cincinnati picks up from where it left off in 2021, at the bottom of the table with zero points from two rounds.
The New York Red Bulls and Austin currently sit at the top of the East and West after winning both their matches to start the season. DC United and LA Galaxy are also undefeated as we look ahead to week 3.
Looking ahead to the third round of MLS matchups, we preview several top billings slated for this weekend and serve up soccer picks for your consideration.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. LA Galaxy
Saturday, March 12, 2022 – 03:30 PM EST at Lumen Field
The LA Galaxy are off to a smashing start, collecting maximum points from their first two fixtures. The Galaxy threw down the gauntlet with a 1-0 win over the defending champions NYCFC and then backed up their hot start with another 1-0 win over debutants Charlotte FC.
Los Angeles currently occupies second place in the table behind Austin FC. The unlikely Western Conference leaders gained the advantage by capitalizing on weak opponents in their first two games, scoring 10 goals and conceding just one, to build a massive goal differential advantage (+9).
How long Austin can keep up its tempo remains to be seen, but they’re set to face stiffer opposition from the Portland Timbers on Saturday night. Indeed, Austin heads into Portland for the 10:00 PM kick-off as the massive underdogs across top sportsbooks.
For the LA Galaxy, this weekend is a chance to ascend to the top of the table with kick-off at Lumen Field against the Seattle Sounders that comes earlier in the day. The Seattle Sounders are off to a woeful start behind losses to Nashville FC (home) and Real Salt Lake (away) and they’re propping up the Western Conference with a 0-0-2 mark as a result. The worst bit so far is the fact that the Sounders are not only winless but scoreless too.
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As things currently stand, the Sounders will be desperate to get on track and that might incentivize them to put in their best performance yet. Bookmakers are optimistic, as it so happens. The hosts are the firm favorites on the soccer odds board, extending preseason perceptions that tipped the Sounders among the contenders this season.
Based on the first two weeks, surely the value bet in this game has to be the visiting team to win. LA Galaxy will be eying all three points and the top spot in the conference. That kind of motivation is tough to overcome. It will take something extra special from the Sounders – something we’ve yet to see in 2022. Moreover, if their scoring woes continue, this could be another low-scoring affair at Lumen Field.
Soccer Pick: Los Angeles Galaxy (+320) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 (+104) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
DC United vs. Chicago Fire FC
Saturday, March 12, 2022 - 07:30 PM EST at Audi Field
D.C. United is second in the table with a perfect 2-0-0 mark and six points after two laps around the MLS. Only New York Red Bull is ahead thanks to a slightly better goal differential. DC United will be looking to extend its good form at the expense of the Chicago Fire on Saturday when the pair meet in the nation’s capital. Chicago is off to a modest start after collecting a point from each of its first two games.
DC United opened the season with a 3-0 thumping of debutants Charlotte FC at home and then defeated the conference stragglers FC Cincinnati 1-0. It’s fair to say that DC United hasn’t been challenged yet.
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Chicago Fire opened with a scoreless draw against Inter Miami on the road and then held Orlando City to a scoreless draw at home. Head coach Ezra Hendrickson was relieved his side took at least a point from their last match as the Fire appeared to go down 1-0 in the 73rd minute when Orlando City scored. However, after a lengthy video review, the goal was nullified.
The Fire will need to step up if they hope to clinch their first win of the season, although the likelihood of that is slim here as the MLS odds are stacked against them in Washington. More likely than not, the hosts will come through for their backers as the nominal home favorites.
Alternatively, bettors might find value in betting the total here. Both sides have started the season without conceding a goal and that lends itself towards another low-scoring affair nicely.
Soccer Pick: DC United (-105) at Heritage Sports
Soccer Pick: Under 2.5 (+104) at Heritage Sports
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
